All-day snacking is making a shift away from trend status to an integrated part of our lives. It’s now a “lifeline,” according to Mondelēz’s Annual 2020 State of Snacking Report. And with the new “lifeline” status also comes a change in the concept of snacking from something primarily focused on “junk food” to now a greater emphasis on mindful snacking and better-for-you options.
Key findings from the Mondelēz report show a rapid increase in snacking as a growing part of everyday lives, but also of note is the importance of snacking as comfort, connection, community, satisfaction and peace. There’s a focus on better-for-you products and ingredients, as well as a continuing quest to make snacks as convenient as possible.
In snack product development, convenience is always priority #1. Fortune Business Insights’ Healthy Snacks Market COVID-19 Impact Analysis shows that there is an increasing number of people reentering the formal workforce, and hectic lifestyles have led to a rise in demand for snacks that are quick and portable. Not only do they provide instant satiety, but they are a much-needed break in a stressful day.
Additionally, the on-the-go nutrition trend is rapidly gaining popularity particularly among millennials and working adults as they look for snacking solutions to tackle nutrient deficiencies and other health conditions. Categories of note in the high-demand sector include plant-forward products, clean label, organic and products that contain functional ingredients. Fortune Business Insights says that nut products are expected to grow at a faster pace due to this demand. The growing popularity of plant-forward and vegan diets is fueling a rise in nut-based product purchases, and trail mixes in particular are great due to portability, convenience and availability of assorted flavors, Fortune shares.
Walnuts fit in perfectly with a number of snack and trail mixes due to their portability, texture, taste and being the only nut that is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) with 2.5 grams per ounce. With the global trail mix market expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 6.71% through 2026, the market is ripe for walnut innovation and inclusions. Let’s take a look at some grab-and-go made-with-walnuts products that are catching our eye.
Keto Crunch Smart Mix, Second Nature
Three brands are becoming one with the debut of Second Nature, which is combining Kar’s Nuts, Second Nature Snacks and Sanders Chocolates. Keto Crunch Smart Mix is a product of that combination, and we couldn’t be more excited about the mix of walnuts and roasted pepitas, along with sugar-free dark chocolate drops. The keto-friendly, portable snack is gluten-free, contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and comes in a resealable package.
Grain-Free Granola, Wildway
Wildway released its newest addition to its “We Rise” granola line: Dark Chocolate Strawberry. Packaged in an 8 oz. resealable bag, walnuts are mixed with unsweetened cacao powder and strawberries, with no added sugar. The vegan granola is also free of extracts and flavorings, and it is non-GMO and gluten-free.
Power Up Mega Omega Trail Mix, Gourmet Nut
Walnuts, dried mangoes and cranberries are combined within a portable, resealable package. This omega-3 power mix is designed for all-day snacking, perfect for those moments when we need a quick, convenient pick-me-up. Two grams of dietary fiber and three grams of protein are included in a serving.
